Audi A8 Leads Way For Five New Models In 2018

Audi boss Rupert Stadler has confirmed the brand will launch five new cars next year, including the E-tron electric SUV, its first foray into fully electric vehicles.

It will also reveal the new A7, A6, Q3 and A1.

Speaking at the debut of the Audi A8, Stadler said its flagship saloon was the “starting point for its large product initiative”.

The new autonomous driving systems launched on the A8 are expected to filter down across the range, although

A silhouette of a high-riding car to be shown at Frankfurt motor show was also displayed, hinting that the E-tron production car will be revealed in September.

Audi also announced a three-pronged strategy for what it calls the “future of mobility”.

MyAudi describes connectivity and how the user will interact with the car, typically through an advanced infotainment system.

Audi AI (artificial intelligence) is the technology for “intelligence and forward thinking”, claimed Stadler. “AI thinks for you, supports you and creates a new level of independence,” he said. AI is used here in the context of piloted driving.

The third prong is Audi e-Tron, the car maker’s sub-brand for all-electric vehicles as well as an increased number of plug-in hybrids.

Article by: Rachel Burgess / autocar.co.uk